Brimstone Canary

Serinus sulphuratus

Other Names

  Bully Canary   Serin soufré   Schwefelgirlitz   Gran Mozambique, Canario sulfúreo     Zwavelkanarie   Canarino Solforato

World: Africa - sub-Saharan in the E and S of the continent. It is widespread S of 10°S except in the arid SW of the continent. N of 10°S it is confined to the E being found in E Zaire, Tanzania and Uganda with Kenya at its northern limit.

Kenya: Found up to 2400m in damp, open, bush areas S of 2°N and W of 38°E.

This is a less gregarious canary than others and tends to be found singly or in pairs (occasionally in small groups). It is a common garden visitor being attracted by the abundance of suitable food items. Its diet consists of fruit, seeds, flowers and shoots. It may be confused with the Yellow-fronted Canary and it is almost certain that some records are of this species. The 2 can be told apart by the lack of a bright yellow rump in the Brimstone and its pale, stout bill. The malar stripe is also darker and more marked in the Yellow-fronted.